Drivers have been warned to expect severe delays this afternoon following a vehicle fire near a major UK airport, which saw diesel spillage across the carriageway.
The fire has now caused the M1 southbound to close between J24 (Kegworth) and J23A near East Midlands Airport, with traffic crawling at 9mph.
Emergency services are currently in attendance with National Highways specialist contractors on the way to assess and treat the contaminated road surface.
Before the road can reopen, a full safety inspection of the carriageway and associated infrastructure will be carried out.
The agency shared: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
Normal traffic conditions are expected to return by 4pm later today.
Drivers have been urged to follow the diversion route in place, marked with a solid triangle symbol.
The route instructs drivers to exit the M1 southbound at Junction 24 and take the fourth exit onto the A453 southbound.
The fire has caused the southbound junction to close on the M1
|
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
From here, drivers should continue southbound on the A453 to the M1 J23a / A42 / A453 Finger Farm Roundabout.
At the roundabout, drivers need to take the first exit onto the M1/A42 southbound entry slip road.
Continue onto the M1 southbound free-flow lane before rejoining the main M1 southbound carriageway at J23a.
The fire caused a serious diesel spillage onto the carriageway
|
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
The M1 motorway connects London to Leeds and stretches 193.6 miles in length. According to the RAC, junction 24 is one of the worst parts of the busy road.
The RAC shared: “The junction in the Kegworth Interchange in the East Midlands provides connections to the A6, A50 and A453, so you can imagine the potential and frequent congestion. Work to improve the junction and the surrounding area started in 2017.
“As with all motorways in the UK, there is always the risk of an accident on the M1, although there are excellent safety precautions in place. Always check for M1 traffic news to be aware of any accidents, and to avoid these areas if possible, during your journey.”
Drivers have been advised to follow the diversion in place
|
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Updating drivers, Leicestershire Police shared on X: “The M1 Southbound is currently closed after J24 due to a vehicle fire. Please find alternative routes, and updates will follow. Many Thanks.”
